Things to do in Split
Split is the city where people live, shop and drink coffee inside a 1,700-year-old imperial palace, and where boats leave for some of the loveliest islands in the Adriatic.
Split
The old town and the Riva from the air. Photo: Spencer Davis / Unsplash
Split: Croatia's gateway to the islands
In the heart of Split stands the palace the Roman emperor Diocletian built around the year 300. It is not a ruin behind a fence but a living neighbourhood: restaurants, flats and shops sit within the old walls, and the palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Split is also Croatia's main port for the islands. Ferries and fast catamarans leave the quay for Hvar, Brač, Vis and more, so the city works both for a long weekend and as the start of an island-hopping holiday.
Split lies in Dalmatia, halfway down the coast of Croatia. Heading south, Dubrovnik makes a fine finale.
The Peristyle
The old colonnaded square is the heart of the palace. Photo: mana5280 / Unsplash
The best things to do in Split
Diocletian's Palace: explore the cellar halls and the Peristyle, and climb the cathedral bell tower for the view.
The Riva: the waterfront promenade in front of the palace, where the whole city meets for coffee in the morning and drinks at night.
Marjan: a wooded hill west of the centre, with trails, viewpoints and small swimming spots.
Bačvice: the city beach, where locals play picigin, a ball game in shallow water.
Hvar and Brač: a boat day trip to Hvar town or to Zlatni Rat beach at Bol on Brač.
Krka National Park: waterfalls and boardwalks, around an hour's drive north.
The Riva
Photo: Avery Meeker / Unsplash
Where to stay in Split
Stay inside or right by the palace if you want to walk everywhere with the cafés on your doorstep. Bačvice and the area east of the centre are quieter and closer to the beach. The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Cornaro Hotel
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Cornaro Hotel: a rooftop pool above the palace
A design hotel just outside the palace walls, with breakfast included and a pool on the roof. From the sun loungers you can see the bell tower and the sea.
Book your city break: See rooms at Cornaro Hotel
Hotel Ambasador: with views over the harbour
A modern hotel by the harbour, a few minutes' walk from the Riva and the old town. Handy when you are heading on to the islands by boat.
Book your city break: See rooms at Hotel Ambasador
Hotel Ambasador
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
When is the best time to visit Split?
May, June and September are often best, with warm weather, a warm sea and fewer visitors than in July and August. High summer is busy and hot, especially in the old town. In winter Split is a quiet city and many boat routes run less often.
Frequently asked questions about Split
Where should I stay in Split?
Stay inside or right by Diocletian's Palace if you want to walk everywhere and have restaurants close by. The Bačvice area is quieter and nearer the beach, and the harbour is handy for boats to the islands.
How many days do you need in Split?
Two days is enough for the city itself. Add a day or two for a boat trip to Hvar or Brač, or a day trip to Krka National Park.
Does Split have good beaches?
Bačvice is the best-known city beach, and there are small swimming spots around Marjan. The finest beaches are on the islands, such as Zlatni Rat on Brač.
How do you get from Split to Hvar?
Ferries and catamarans run from Split harbour to Hvar several times a day in season. The catamaran is fastest and goes to Hvar town.
When is the best time to visit Split?
May, June and September bring good weather and fewer crowds. July and August are the hottest and busiest.